Evaluation of Thermal Detector Technology Capabilities for the Compact Thermal Imager: Results from the Qwip Infrared Camaera from Snowex’17

As part of an Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE), we analyzed thermal infrared (IR) data from the Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) IR imaging camera system for snow-free, vegetation-covered scenes acquired during the February 2017 SnowEx experiment. We evaluate retrievals from specific bands to extrapolate science return from the QWIP to the CTI (Compact Thermal Imager) and its bands. We will then provide an assessment of the capabilities associated with a CTI-like sensor on a free flyer.